Shops and restaurants on Larchmont are starting to reopen…again. A number of businesses had begun transitioning from takeout and curbside pickup to in-store shopping and dining, once the COVID-19 closures were relaxed. But vandalism from last weekend and a week of protests in the surrounding neighborhood have business owners on edge, trying to figure out what to do.
As we reported earlier, the National Guard has been stationed on the street for most of the week and personnel seem to staying for the moment. We asked but haven’t heard back about when they are planning to leave. Reaction to the guard’s presence has been mixed, with some residents saying the appreciate the extra security and others expressing concern that it’s an unwarranted overreaction.
But our local businesses are resilient, hopeful entrepreneurs who miss serving their customers. We’ve heard from several merchants that are opening today and hope to stay open. Foot traffic on Larchmont has been steady, according to one store that is making appointments for customers to enable social distancing. Shops are also offering curbside pickup.
Pickett Fences is open for shoppers, as is Larchmont Beauty Center. Landis Gifts and Stationery and Village Heights. Flicka Kids Clothing was also open all week. Most stores have been keeping limited hours, so be sure check their social media.
Chevalier’s Books will host a virtual event with Jon Pessah, author of “Yogi: A Life Behind the Mask,” in conversation with Chris Erskine on Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m. Right now, the store is open for shopping by appointment and you support your local book store by browsing and buying from its recommended reading list for #Blacklivesmatter.
Vernetti and Kali restaurant are both open and offering dining in the restaurants. Village Pizzeria and Le Petite Greek, among others, are still offering takeout.
Finally, last but not least, the Original Farmers Market is also open today at Third and Fairfax…and the Larchmont Farmers Market will be open, as usual, on Sunday.
